title: [Recreation in community--experiences of the SUPRA pilot project].
abstract: Objectives of the SUPRA pilot project are establishment, promotion and support of support groups in health for strengthening and self-assistance (SUPRA groups) as well as development of the network of SUPRA groups. In the period of 18 months (January 2006 - June 2007), the SUPRA pilot project focused on the following target groups: 160 adult persons with initial and chronic stages of diseases of bones, joints, muscles and connecting tissue, all of them members of the Croatian League against Rheumatism, aged from 45 to 65 years and residing in five districts of the City of Zagreb. The starting points for the development of the network of SUPRA groups are that they are located in the "neighbourhood" and use public resources (local authority and community premises). Synergy also plays an important role in the SUPRA pilot project in terms of cooperation with other institutions in Zagreb that focus on health prevention: Clinic for Rheumatology, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Department of the Sestre Milosrdnice University Hospital, Applied Health Studies and Faculty of Nutritional Biology are involved in the SUPRA pilot project through their students of physical and work therapy and students of nutrition who volunteer in SUPRA groups. SUPRA groups are supposed to strengthen and initiate the "affected" persons to focus their activity to overcome their disease, learn how to handle the disease and how to manage the changes in family and business routine--as an unavoidable consequence of the disease. But, in order to achieve that, they need to educate themselves about their health and make another, much harder step--integrate health education into their own lives. In addition to health education, it is necessary to undergo education in other areas in order to adapt the life style, life and work conditions to the limitations set by the disease. The SUPRA group concept: each group consists of five to ten basic members and more supporting members. Supporting members participate merely as the audience in classical lectures while basic members are proactive in meeting three times per month with the following goals: Daily practice of medical gymnastics adapted to medical history, life conditions and character of individual persons. Engagement in sports activities to the level allowed by the disease. Acceptance of more healthy nutritional habits. Organization of regular guest lectures / "Round-table discussions with medical professionals". Teaching how to search for information using PCs. Exchange personal experience among group members.
authors.affiliation: vlasta.cerkvenik@zg.t-com.hr
authors.forename: Vlasta
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Srsek-Cerkvenik
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D002908:Chronic Disease; D003153:Community Health Services; D017523:Croatia; D005081:Exercise Therapy; D006266:Health Education; D006293:Health Promotion; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D009140:Musculoskeletal Diseases / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D012657:Self-Help Groups